Name: Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half circles; 12 ounces green beans, cut into halves or thirds; 1 bell pepper (any color), cored and cut into 1-inch strips; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (can substitute avocado oil spray); 2 teaspoons dried basil; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 12 ounces fully cooked sausages (4 dinner sized links), sliced into ¼ inch thick circles

This Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Tender, perfectly cooked sausage combines with colorful, crisp-tender vegetables in just 20 minutes. The air fryer works its magic to create a delicious meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s the perfect solution when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in just 20 minutes – perfect for those evenings when you’re starving and short on time.
Minimal Cleanup: One bowl for seasoning, one air fryer basket – that’s it! No more sink full of dishes after dinner.
Versatile and Customizable: Works with whatever vegetables you have on hand or need to use up.
Healthy and Satisfying: A balanced meal with protein and plenty of vegetables, all with less oil than traditional cooking methods.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to enjoy the slightly caramelized vegetables and savory sausage combination.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Zucchini: Adds a mild flavor and wonderful texture; sliced into half-moons so they cook evenly and quickly.
Green Beans: Provide a satisfying crunch and vibrant color; cutting them into pieces ensures they cook at the same rate as other vegetables.
Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color; any color works perfectly here, so use what you have.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve that beautiful caramelization and prevents sticking; avocado oil works wonderfully too if you prefer.
Dried Herbs (Basil & Oregano): These Mediterranean herbs create an amazing aromatic base; they bloom in the heat to release their essential oils.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth and savory notes without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic in high-heat cooking.
Salt & Pepper: The foundation of good seasoning; don’t skimp on these basics as they enhance all the other flavors.
Fully Cooked Sausages: The star protein that requires zero prep work; slicing them allows for faster cooking and more flavor integration.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Options

Swap the sausage for chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even sliced smoked tofu for a vegetarian twist. Italian sausage adds a wonderful herb-forward flavor, while chorizo brings smoky heat.

Vegetable Alternatives

This recipe is incredibly forgiving – try yellow squash, broccoli florets, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus depending on what’s in season or in your refrigerator.

Seasoning Twists

Cajun: Replace the herbs with cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
Mediterranean: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and crumbled feta after cooking.
Asian-Inspired: Use sesame oil instead of olive oil, and add a splash of soy sauce and ginger powder.

How to Make Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While it’s heating, slice your zucchini into half-moons, cut green beans into manageable pieces, and slice bell peppers into strips. Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process seamless.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

In a large bowl, toss your cut vegetables with olive oil until well-coated. This thin layer of oil is crucial for flavor development and texture. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings – every bite should be flavorful!

Step 3: First Cooking Stage

Add your seasoned vegetable mixture to the preheated air fryer. Cook for 10 minutes, which gives the vegetables a head start since they need more cooking time than the pre-cooked sausage.

Step 4: Add Sausage and Finish Cooking

Open the air fryer and add the sliced sausage to the partially cooked vegetables. Give everything a good stir to integrate the sausage with the vegetables. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, checking for doneness. The vegetables should be tender with slight caramelization, and the sausage should be heated through with nice browning.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd: Work in batches if necessary – overcrowding the basket prevents proper air circulation and results in steamed rather than roasted textures.
Shake or Stir Halfway: For even cooking, give the basket a good shake halfway through each cooking interval.
Thickness Matters: Keep your vegetable cuts relatively consistent in size to ensure even cooking.
Preheating is Non-Negotiable: Always preheat your air fryer for the best results and fastest cooking times.
Check Early: Air fryer models vary in power, so start checking for doneness on the early side of time ranges.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this versatile dish over quick-cooking rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. It’s also delicious alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.

Sauce Options

While flavorful on its own, a drizzle of good balsamic glaze or a dollop of pesto takes this dish to another level. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful umami finish.

Presentation

Serve family-style directly from the air fryer basket for casual dinners, or plate individually with a garnish of fresh herbs for a more polished presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making this an excellent meal prep option.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the vegetables will soften considerably upon thawing. If freezing, store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

The air fryer is perfect for reheating these leftovers! Just 3-4 minutes at 350°F will restore much of the original texture. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes, though you’ll lose some of the crispness.

FAQs

Can I use raw sausage instead of pre-cooked?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking method. Start by cooking the raw sausage in the air fryer for about 10 minutes at 380°F, then add the vegetables and continue with the recipe. This ensures the sausage reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F.

My vegetables are burning but not tender inside. What am I doing wrong?
Your air fryer might run hotter than average. Try reducing the temperature to 375°F and cooking for a slightly longer time. Also, make sure your vegetable pieces aren’t cut too large.

Can I make this if I don’t have an air fryer?
Absolutely! Roast everything on a sheet pan in a 425°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. You may need a bit more oil to prevent sticking.

Is this recipe low-carb friendly?
Yes! This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for keto or low-carb diets. Just verify your sausage doesn’t contain fillers or added sugars if you’re strictly counting carbs.

This Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables recipe proves that delicious, healthy meals don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and 20 minutes, you can create a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory sausage and caramelized vegetables is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Give your takeout app a night off and fire up the air fryer instead – your taste buds and your schedule will thank you!